John Pracht’s career path has been shaped by service, adaptability, and a deep commitment to supporting others—from working in the beverage-alcohol industry and serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, to raising a family while earning his degree and building a leadership career in tech and CPG. Currently serving as a leader at Crisp, a data-driven startup transforming how brands and retailers collaborate, John brings a deep commitment to mentorship, inclusive leadership, and building strong communities.
As part of our Voices of NextUp series, John shares the experiences that have shaped him—both professionally and personally—along with his journey as a male ally, volunteer leader, and advocate for equity in the workplace. Through his story, he reminds us how real impact is often rooted in listening, showing up, and creating space for others to thrive.
Tell us a bit about yourself—your career journey, where you live, and anything else you’d like to share!
My career journey is a little less traditional. I married young—at 19—and while my wife, Robyn, pursued her nursing degree, I worked in the beverage-alcohol industry and served in the Marine Corps Reserves. Once Robyn completed her program, I shifted gears and went to college myself, relying on the GI Bill and her support while working part-time to earn my degree. A special gift was being able to be home with our first child during the day while Robyn worked, and I attended night classes when she got home.
That early experience in Bev-Al and CPG was instrumental in landing my first post-college role with a major CPG manufacturer in Atlanta. Robyn and I packed up our two-year-old and moved from Birmingham to Atlanta in a U-Haul—an adventure we still laugh about today.
That opportunity kicked off a series of moves across the Southeast before we eventually landed in Nashville in 2004, where we’ve lived ever since. I moved here to support the Dollar General business with what is now known as NIQ. I spent nearly 17 years at NIQ before making the leap into the startup world—less predictable, but a great fit for where I am in life today.
Currently, I’m with Crisp, a tech company that empowers CPG brands and retailers to collaborate through real-time data. It’s exciting work, and I love being part of something that’s modernizing how our industry connects and grows.
What led you to join the NextUp community?
I’ve always been an advocate for advancing women in business. Throughout my career, I’ve worked to build diverse teams and support female colleagues and mentees—whether it was helping them prepare for conversations about raises, encouraging them to pursue roles they were fully qualified for, or advocating for promotions when I believed it was warranted. In many cases, those individuals did move forward in their careers, which was incredibly rewarding to see.
While I had participated in ERGs during my time at NIQ, I hadn’t made that advocacy “official” outside of work until I attended my first NextUp event. What inspired me to go was seeing the leadership of strong women around me—specifically Jennifer Dilts, who was serving as Co-Chair of the NextUp Nashville chapter at the time.
That first event was a Networking Event, and I was genuinely impressed by the camaraderie and positivity from all of those in attendance. I felt welcomed as a male ally, energized by the passion and number of the Next-Gen attendees, and left having made a real connection with the other Nashville Co-Chair at the time, Lucia Romano Crater. In short, it was fun, and I was hooked.
As I got more involved, I became more aware of the specific challenges that women and other underrepresented groups continue to face in the workplace—not just in access to opportunity, but in having the right support systems and development paths. NextUp doesn’t just talk about those issues; it equips both individuals and leaders with tools to help address them.
Now working in tech, I’ve seen how valuable those tools can be—and how much opportunity there is to bring this kind of intentional leadership development and advocacy into new industries.
As I got more involved, I became more aware of the specific challenges that women and other underrepresented groups continue to face in the workplace…NextUp doesn’t just talk about those issues; it equips both individuals and leaders with tools to help address them.
You’ve worn many hats at NextUp—from volunteer to Growth and Development Officer to board member. What have those different roles taught you about leadership and community impact?
Serving in different roles at NextUp has taught me that leadership isn’t always about titles. Some of the most impactful leadership happens through influence, consistency, and quiet advocacy.
When I first joined as a G&D volunteer, I made a conscious decision to lead by listening. As a male ally, I didn’t want to come in too forcefully—I wanted to understand, observe, and support in the ways that were most meaningful to the team already doing the work. That experience showed me how to influence direction while maintaining humility.
Now, as a G&D Officer, I’ve learned how vital it is to keep that spirit of influence going—to not only support the mission but to actively help cultivate the next wave of leaders. Helping people see how they can grow into leadership within their region and feel like they belong has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Can you share a moment from your time volunteering with NextUp that reminded you why this work matters?
At every NextUp event, I make it a point to look for new faces—especially anyone standing alone. I never want someone to feel like they don’t belong. What I’ve found is that many of these individuals are new to Nashville and still building their local network, so it’s incredibly rewarding to help them connect with like-minded peers right away.
At a learning event in April 2024, I met someone who fit that exact description. She stood out immediately—not just because she was new to town, but because of her energy, confidence, and the way she jumped right into conversations. After the event, I followed up and asked if she’d be interested in joining us as a Growth & Development volunteer. She agreed, and it was clear she’d be a great addition.
Not long after, she experienced a difficult season—her daughter was hospitalized with a life-threatening condition. In our conversations, I had learned she was a single, working mom, and I knew we needed to show up for her. The NextUp Nashville board came together quickly—we sent cards and a care package from a woman-owned business in town.
That moment reminded me why this work matters. NextUp isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about building real community. And in that instance, I saw just how powerful that community can be when it’s at its best.
NextUp isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about building real community.
What would you say to other male allies or professionals who want to support gender equity but aren’t sure where to start?
I think a lot of men hesitate to get involved with organizations like NextUp because they assume it’s a space meant only for women to support women. Honestly, that was my initial assumption too. But what I’ve learned is that real support starts by showing up and listening—really listening—to the lived experiences of women and underrepresented groups.
Being a male ally is a unique opportunity. It gives you access to perspectives you might never hear otherwise, and it challenges you to set aside your own assumptions and listen objectively. You can’t contribute meaningfully to progress if you’re not first willing to understand the perspectives of others.
At the core of it, we all want the same thing—to belong. That’s true in life, and it’s just as true in the workplace. One of the best ways to start supporting gender equity is simply to attend an event. Networking events are great entry points because the goal is to meet new people, and I’ve found the community to be overwhelmingly welcoming.
If you’re thinking about getting involved, I’d encourage you to take that first step. You don’t have to have all the answers—just a willingness to listen, learn, and support in whatever way you can.
What’s been your favorite NextUp event—regional or national—and what made it stand out to you?
My favorite NextUp event was the NextUp Nashville Birthday Bash celebrating the chapter’s 5th anniversary. What really stood out to me was realizing how young our region actually is, despite the broader NextUp organization having made an impact for over two decades. It made me appreciate the momentum the team built here in such a short time, especially with 64% of our membership identifying as Next-Gen. That’s a powerful sign of future leadership taking root.
What made the event even more meaningful for me was seeing a small tech startup—where I was working at the time—step up to sponsor the celebration. It was their first time engaging with NextUp, and watching them support this young, vibrant region was a proud moment.
That experience also helped prepare me to bring my current company, Crisp, into the NextUp Nashville region—and ultimately helped guide our leadership team to sponsor NextUp at the national level. It was a full-circle moment that reminded me how local engagement can drive broader change.
What excites you most about the future of NextUp?
What excites me most about the future of NextUp is its continued commitment to driving inclusion in the workplace—especially at a time when the importance of that mission is sometimes questioned or misunderstood. In a landscape where the “why” behind equity and inclusion can get blurred, NextUp remains clear and focused.
I’m encouraged by how NextUp is expanding its reach across a broader set of industries, making sure that people from all backgrounds have access to opportunities for growth and advancement. The organization doesn’t just talk about development—it provides real tools through mentoring, training, and a strong community of support. That sense of camaraderie and shared purpose ensures that individuals aren’t navigating their careers alone.
It’s that combination of mission, action, and community that makes me excited for what’s ahead.
NextUp doesn’t just talk about development—it provides real tools through mentoring, training, and a strong community of support.
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